Pope Francis to open formal inquiry into Knights of Malta22 December 2016 | by Christopher Lamb Photo - Grand Master of the Knights of Malta Matthew Festing

In-fighting has left Catholicism's oldest military order in disarray

Pope Francis has announced an investigation into the Knights of Malta, Catholicism’s oldest and most illustrious military order currently in the midst of an internal crisis after a senior figure was sacked.

Retired papal diplomat Archbishop Silvano Tomasi is to look at the dismissal of Albrecht von Boeselager, the Order’s number three who was dramatically sacked by the Grand Master, Matthew Festing.

Boeselager, a respected member of the Order, was twice ordered to resign by Festing in a row allegedly about the distribution of condoms.

After he refused to step down, Festing dismissed him but Boeselager’s supporters say the sacking was in breach of the Knights' rules and are accusing the Grand Master of sparking a constitutional crisis.

Festing has hit back, denying the claims and arguing that Boeselager behaved in a “disgraceful” way. He threatened to discipline any Knight questioning his decision.

Cardinal Raymond Burke, who is patron of the Order and its link man with the Holy See, had become involved in the saga, but by announcing the inquiry today the Pope has taken power out of the Cardinal’s hands and put it into those investigating the Knights.

Fr. Cantalamessa’s Fourth Advent Sermon for Pope, Curia in Vatican2016-12-23 Vatican Radio\(Vatican Radio) In his fourth and last Advent sermon of the Christmas season, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher of the Pontifical Household, reflected Friday on the theme “by the Holy Spirit He ‘was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.’”

In continuing our reflections on the Holy Spirit, and given the imminence of Christmas, let us meditate on the article in the creed that speaks of the work of the Holy Spirit in the Incarnation. In the creed, we say, “For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.”

St. Augustine distinguished between two ways of celebrating an event in salvation history: as a mystery (in sacramento) or as a simple anniversary. In the celebration of an anniversary, he said, we only need to “indicate with a religious solemnity the day of the year in which the remembrance of the event itself occurs.” In the celebration of a mystery, however, “not only is the event commemorated, but we do so in a way that its significance for us is understood and received devoutly.”[1]

Christmas is not a celebration in the category of an anniversary. (As we know, the choice of December 25 as the date was chosen for symbolic rather than historical reasons.) It is a celebration in the category of a mystery that needs to be understood in terms of its significance for us. St. Leo the Great had already highlighted the mystical significance of the “the sacrament of the Nativity of Christ” saying, “Just as we have been crucified with him in his passion, been raised with him in his resurrection, . . . so too have we been born along with him in his Nativity.”[2]

Vatican City, Dec 24, 2016 / 10:41 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Two days after the announcement that Pope Francis has established a group to look into the circumstances regarding the recent dismissal of the Order of Malta's former Grand Chancellor, the Knights responded – saying the decision was an internal matter.

The response follows the forced resignation of leader Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager, which some attribute to controversy regarding the order's charity branch being allegedly involved in distributing condoms in Myanmar to prevent HIV.

On Dec. 22 the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had formed a group of five “senior officials” tasked with “gathering any liable factors” and to “fully and quickly inform the Holy See on the matter that has recently affected the Grand Chancellor of the Order, Mr. Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager.”https://www.orderofmalta.int/2016/12/23/statement-of-the-grand-magistry/Statement of the Grand MagistryRome, 23/12/2016

Christmas at the Vatican: Schedule for Pope Francis24/12/2016 14:05Pope Francis seen through the boughs of the Christmas tree in St Peter's Square.

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has a busy schedule during the Octave of Christmas. On Christmas Eve, the Holy Father will celebrate Christmas Mass “during the Night” in St Peter’s Basilica, beginning at 9:30 Rome time.

On Sunday, at noon on Christmas day, Pope Francis will deliver his annual Christmas message, ahead of the traditional blessing Urbi et orbi: of the City of Rome, and of the whole world.

Both the Mass on Christmas Eve and the Pope’s Christmas message will be broadcast by Vatican Radio with live commentary in English.

Pope Francis will lead the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square in the Angelus for the feast of St Stephen the first martyr at noon on Monday, the first day after Christmas, also known in many English-speaking countries as Boxing Day.

Pope: ‘Let us allow ourselves to be challenged by the Child in the manger’2016-12-24 Vatican Radio(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has urged Christians to allow themselves to be challenged by the Child in the manger, and also by the children of today’s world, so many of whom are suffering.

During the Holy Christmas Mass homily, celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday evening, Christmas Eve, the Pope spoke of those children “who are not lying in a cot caressed with the affection of a mother and father” , of those hiding underground to escape bombardment, of those on the the bottom of a boat overladen with immigrants.

“Let us allow ourselves to be challenged by the children who are not allowed to be born, by those who cry because no one satiates their hunger, by those who do have not toys in their hands, but rather weapons” he said.

Please find below the official translation of the full text of Pope Francis’ homily:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv9CA6JDwJ42016.12.24 Midnight Mass of ChristmasStreamed live 6 hours agoPope Francis celebrates Midnight Mass on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

Pope pleads for peace in a world broken by conflict and terrorism25/12/2016 14:34(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis made an impassioned plea for peace on Sunday in a world broken by conflict, terrorism and injustice.

Speaking to an estimated 40,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square and to the world during his traditional Christmas Day “Urbi et Orbi” address, the Pope wished Christmas peace for people scarred by wars and for those who have lost loved ones to terrorism.

Today, Pope Francis said, the Church experiences the wonder and the joy that derives from the birth of the Son of God, the Prince of Peace.

And in a heartfelt cry for peace in a world disfigured by violence, the Pope said Jesus’ message of hope goes out to the ends of the earth to reach all peoples, especially those scarred by war and harsh conflicts that seem stronger than the yearning for peace. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-christmas-message-urbi-et-orbi-full-tPope Francis: Christmas message "Urbi et Orbi": full text2016-12-25 Vatican Radio

Pope Francis: St Stephen's Day Angelus2016-12-26 Vatican Radio(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday called on Christians to “overcome evil with good and hatred with love.” In a tweet marking the Feast of Saint Stephen, the Church’s first martyr, the Pope said, “let us remember the martyrs of today and yesterday.” It was a theme the Holy Father picked up in his Angelus address to the thousands of pilgrims who had gathered in St. Peter’s Square on this, the day after Christmas.

Here is Vatican Radio's translation of the Pope’s remarks at the Angelus 26 December 2016:

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

The joy of Christmas also fills our hearts today, as the liturgy has us celebrate the martyrdom of Saint Stephen, the first martyr, inviting us to receive the witness that through his sacrifice he has left us. It is the testimony with which his sacrifice became glorious, precisely the glory of Christian martyrdom, suffered for love of Jesus Christ; martyrdom which continues to be present in the history of the Church, since Stephen up to this day. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-prays-for-victims-of-russian-plane-crashPope prays for victims of Russian plane crash2016-12-26 Vatican Radio

Pope Francis: Like Abram, Christians must "hope against hope"2016-12-28 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis returned to the theme of “Christian Hope” in the catechesis during the weekly General Audience. On Wednesday, he focused his attention on the figure of Abram, who became Abraham, our “father in faith and in hope.”

Saint Paul himself pointed to Abram “to indicate the way of faith and of hope.” Abram’s confidence in God’s promise to give him a son was truly a hope “against every hope”, precisely because of his advanced age, and the sterility of Sara, his wife. But Abram believed, and his faith gave way to a new hope, a hope which, to all appearances was unreasonable. His hope “opens new horizons, making him capable of dreaming what is unimaginable.” Hope, the Holy Father said, allows us “to enter into the darkness of an uncertain future to journey in the light.”

It is a difficult journey, though, he continued. Even Abram had moments of crisis and discouragement. In the Gospel passage, the scene where Abram questions God takes place at night – but, the Pope said, in the heart of Abram there is the darkness of disappointment, of discouragement. Even though he spoke familiarly with God, Abram in these moments felt alone, old and tired, with death on his doorstep.

Pope Francis said that even this moment of questioning by Abram is a form of Faith. Despite his disappointment, Abram continued to believe in God – or else why would he complain to Him? Faith, the Pope said, “is not only silence that accepts everything without reply, hope is not a certainty that makes you secure from doubts and perplexity.” Faith can also be “struggling with God, showing our bitterness without ‘pious’ fictions.” And hope, he continued, “is also not being afraid to see reality for what it is and to accept the contradictions.”http://www.news.va/en/news/circus-performers-among-general-audience-guestsCircus performers among General Audience guests2016-12-28 Vatican Radiohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGmJ_hDAnK82016.12.28 General Audience

Pope sends message for new Argentine edition of Osservatore Romano2016-12-31 Vatican Radio(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has written a message for the first edition of the weekly Osservatore Romano newspaper for Argentina.

The first issue of the new Spanish edition was published on 30 December 2016 with the headline: “The Service of the Pope”.His message read: “With joy I greet the new presence of the Osservatore Romano in Argentina. Through the Holy See’s newspaper, [readers] will be able to become directly acquainted with the service of the Pope. I pray that our Lord bless all who labor in this project at the service of the Kingdom of God, and that the Virgin Mary watch over them. And, please, I ask all readers not to forget to pray for me.”

Pope Francis celebrates First Vespers in St Peter's Basilica2016-12-31 Vatican Radio(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Saturday celebrated First Vespers for the Solemnity of Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God.

In his homily, the Holy Father reflected on a passage from St Paul’s letter to the Galatians: “But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”The ceremony also included the chanting of the Te Deum, traditionally sung at the end of the civil year in Thanksgiving for the blessings of the year.

Following the liturgy, Pope Francis made his way outside the Basilica to the larger-than-life Nativity Scene on display in St Peter’s Square. After spending a few moments in silent prayer, the Holy Father enjoyed a selection of traditional Christmas hymns and carols, and had the opportunity to greet members of the faithful gathered in the Square.

Pope Francis: Homily for First Vespers for Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God2016-12-31 Vatican Radio(Vatican Radio) On the final day of the civil year, Pope Francis celebrated First Vespers for the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God in St Peter’s Basilica. The ceremony also included the chanting of the hymn Te Deum in thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year.

Below, please find the official English translation of Pope Francis’ prepared homily for the liturgy:

First Vespers of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and Te Deum in Thanksgiving for the Past Year

Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis

Saint Peter’s Basilica Saturday, 31 December 2016

“When the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Gal 4:4-5).https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsc2FdpDUHc2016.12.31 Celebration of the Vespers and the Te Deum Streamed live 4 hours agoPope Francis presides over the First Vespers of the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God and the "Te Deum" hymn in thanksgiving for the past year

Pope Francis: divine motherhood of Mary a gift to us all2017-01-01 Vatican Radio(Vatican Radio) On the morning of New Year’s Day, in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis celebrated Mass to mark the Solemnity of Mary, Most Holy Mother of God.

In his homily, the Holy Father focused on the ecclesial, political, and social significance of Mary’s divine motherhood.

“To celebrate Mary as Mother of God and our mother at the beginning of the new year means recalling a certainty that will accompany our days,” said Pope Francis, “we are a people with a Mother; we are not orphans.”

Pope Francis condemns Istanbul terror attack2017-01-01 Vatican Radio(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has condemned the deadly New Year’s Eve terror attack on a nightclub in Istanbul, in which a gunman opened fire on New Year’s revelers in Istanbul’s popular Reina venue at 1:30 AM (22:30 GMT), killing at least 39 people and wounding scores of others.

At least 69 people were taken to hospital with injuries.

Speaking to pilgrims and tourists gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the New Year’s Day Angelus, Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims and their families, as well as the whole Turkish people.The Holy Father’s words came following the traditional prayer of Marian devotion on New Year’s Day, which is also the day on which the Church marks the Solemnity of the Most Holy Mother of God and the World Day of Peace.

This 50th iteration of the World Day of Peace is centered on the theme: Nonviolence: a Style of Politics for Peace.

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCISFOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH WORLD DAY OF PEACE

1 JANUARY 2017

Nonviolence: a Style of Politics for Peace

1. At the beginning of this New Year, I offer heartfelt wishes of peace to the world’s peoples and nations, to heads of state and government, and to religious, civic and community leaders. I wish peace to every man, woman and child, and I pray that the image and likeness of God in each person will enable us to acknowledge one another as sacred gifts endowed with immense dignity. Especially in situations of conflict, let us respect this, our “deepest dignity”,[1] and make active nonviolence our way of life.

This is the fiftieth Message for the World Day of Peace. In the first, Blessed Pope Paul VI addressed all peoples, not simply Catholics, with utter clarity. “Peace is the only true direction of human progress – and not the tensions caused by ambitious nationalisms, nor conquests by violence, nor repressions which serve as mainstay for a false civil order”. He warned of “the danger of believing that international controversies cannot be resolved by the ways of reason, that is, by negotiations founded on law, justice, and equity, but only by means of deterrent and murderous forces.” Instead, citing the encyclical Pacem in Terris of his predecessor Saint John XXIII, he extolled “the sense and love of peace founded upon truth, justice, freedom and love”. [2] In the intervening fifty years, these words have lost none of their significance or urgency.

On this occasion, I would like to reflect on nonviolence as a style of politics for peace. I ask God to help all of us to cultivate nonviolence in our most personal thoughts and values. May charity and nonviolence govern how we treat each other as individuals, within society and in international life. When victims of violence are able to resist the temptation to retaliate, they become the most credible promotors of nonviolent peacemaking. In the most local and ordinary situations and in the international order, may nonviolence become the hallmark of our decisions, our relationships and our actions, and indeed of political life in all its forms.

Pope Francis to Change Practice of His Monthly Intentions 1st Angelus of the month will come with an announcement of a timely, ‘urgent’ intentionDecember 30, 2016

Pope Francis is changing up the practice of his monthly prayer intentions, distributed worldwide by the Apostleship of Prayer.

In an announcement at his blog today, Jesuit Father James Kubicki, national director of the Apostleship of Prayer, explained that a monthly papal prayer intention has been given to the world through the the Apostleship of Prayer, now known as the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, since the late 1800s. A second intention for missions was added in 1929.He is “returning to the practice of one monthly intention; the twelve intentions for 2017, which alternate between evangelization and universal intentions, have already been published,” Fr. Kubicki explained. “However, given the speed of communication in the digital age, he is adding a second, urgent prayer intention that he will make known during his Angelus Address on the first Sunday of the month. As soon as we hear what they are we will be publicizing them on our website and other social media.

“Fr. Frederic Fornos, S.J., the international director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, sees this as a way that Pope Francis wants to confront ‘the culture of indifference’ by focusing our prayerful attention on situations that are ‘more concrete, precise, current, related to actual circumstances.'”

Pope urges Bishops to protect lives of children2017-01-02 Vatican Radio(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has written to the Bishops of the world condemning all forms of oppression and exploitation of children. His words come in a letter signed on the Feast of the Holy Innocents, which takes place each year on December 28, during the Octave of Christmas.

In his letter, the Holy Father calls the Bishops to foster in hearts of Christians the joy that comes from the proclamation of the birth of Christ. But in moving words, he notes that the Christmas story is also accompanied by tears. “Today, too,” the Pope said, we hear this heart-rending cry of pain, which we neither desire nor are able to ignore or to silence.” He continued. “In our world – I write this with a heavy heart – we continue to hear the lamentation of so many mothers, of so many families, for the death of their children, their innocent children.”

Pope Francis speaks about the millions of children who are deprived of education and whose innocence is shattered by wars and forced immigation. He also once again begs forgiveness for the sufferings of children who were sexually abused by priests, saying "it is a sin that shames the Church."

Christian joy, he said, “is born from a call – the same call that Saint Joseph received – to embrace and protect human life, especially that of the holy innocents of our own day.” Pope Francis said the Bishops must find new courage to protect children and to be more sensitive to what is happening in the world around us.

THE POPE'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR 2017ENTRUSTED TO THE APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER

Starting in 2017 the Pope will present only one prepared prayer intention per month, rather than the two presented before this year. He plans, however, to add a second prayer intention each month related to current events or urgent needs, like disaster relief. The urgent prayer request will help mobilize prayer and action related to the urgent situation. The Apostleship of Prayer will publish these urgent prayer intentions on this website as soon as we receive them from the Vatican.JANUARYChristian Unity.

That all Christians may be faithful to the Lord’s teaching by striving with prayer and fraternal charity to restore ecclesial communion and by collaborating to meet the challenges facing humanity.

The leader of the Order of Malta has promised Pope Francis his loyalty, as the Order faces an investigation by the Vatican over a recent controversy.

In a letter to mark the World Day of Peace, Fra’ Matthew Festing, the organisation’s Grand Master, told Pope Francis: “the Order … even in a difficult and complex time, seeks to render its service in closely adhering to the teaching of the Church and the directions which come from the Successor to St Peter.”

Fra’ Matthew was referring to the recent dismissal of Albrecht von Boeselager, the Grand Chancellor of the order. Boeselager has been accused of allowing the distribution of condoms, as part of a scheme with which the order was linked. But Fra’ Matthew said Boeselager was removed for allegedly concealing problems in his previous role of overseeing the order’s charitable work. The Order of Malta’s members run hospitals, nursing homes, night shelters and other forms of charitable outreach in 120 countries.On Saturday, the Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin told the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero that the Order faced an “unprecedented crisis”. The Pope’s commission would “gather information”, Cardinal Parolin said, “and then we will see.”